I've been kicking around getting a new Jeep since I sold my Land Rover a couple of years ago. I got totally hooked on going off road but I need something more practical then the 2 door Wrangler. So the 4 door Rubicon Unlimited seems like a great choice. My local dealer had 3 (not RUbicons) and sold them in a few days before I had a chance to drive one. It's to early to get one in my opinion because they go to fast and it's not likely anyone will get one yet for less than MSRP unless you get the DC discount. Anyway 2 things bother me about it before I've even driven one. First is Jeeps choice of engines. Not much that can be done about that unless they expand the engine choices in the near future. The second thing is the tow rating. Can anyone out there give me a reason why the tow rating is only 3500 #'s. I'd really like a 5000# tow rating and I'm trying to figure out why it's so low. My Land Rover had a little less HP and Torque and was still rated at 5000 #'s. I even had larger tires and a lift and was still able to tow a 3500# trailer with ease, even in the mouintains. With a class II I'm wooried about towing even 3000#'s. So does anyone know the reason the tow rating is so low?

The XJ Cherokees could be equipped to have a tow rating of 5000 lbs. That was with weaker axles, smaller brakes, unibody, shorter wheelbase, etc. The JK with a real frame, stronger axles, bigger brakes, longer wheelbase, etc. A theory of mine is that the corporate lawyers have cold feet possibly due to the JK not having a fixed roof.

1st one- 1989 Cherokee Laredo. 12 great years
2nd one- 2001 Cherokee Limited. Got it before they were gone.